2012 kia forte Model Overview

The Kia Forte was first introduced as a 2010 model when it replaced the Spectra, so it’s still a fairly new, although with the ever-increasing competition in the compact segment, it’s already feeling a bit dated. Kia is hoping a new Forte hatchback it introduced last year will help it gain more traction in the market. Now with both body styles, the Forte is better positioned to be a viable competitor for the Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, and Mazda3. The Forte is one of the safer compacts on the market, named a 2010 Top Safety Pick by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

Available in LX, EX, and SX trim levels for the sedan, and EX and SX versions for the 5-door, all models come standard with a variety of features. Air conditioning, MP3 and Bluetooth connectivity, and steering wheel mounted controls are all included, as are three months of free Sirius satellite radio. Power windows and locks are also standard. The Forte’s 2.0-liter four-cylinder makes 156 hp and 144 lb-ft of torque mated to either a six-speed manual or automatic depending on configuration. For those looking for more power, SX models receive a more potent 2.4-liter inline four-cylinder engine that makes 173 hp and 168 lb-ft of torque.

If fuel economy is a concern, the Forte’s optional Fuel Economy Package is available on EX sedan models with the 2.0-liter four and six-speed automatic. The package includes low rolling-resistance tires and aerodynamic enhancements that result in 27 mpg in the city, and 37 mpg on the highway.

The Forte was all-new for the 2010 model year and received substantial updates for 2011 that included the introduction of an all-new 5-door hatchback variant and new six-speed manual and automatic transmissions. The 2012 Kia Forte doesn’t see changes to the exterior, but the interior in the EX model is slightly updated. A telescopic steering wheel now comes standard in EX models, as does an Added Supervision meter cluster for EX models with the technology package. As for mechanical changes, the 5-door hatchback is only available with an automatic transmission.

Relatively attractive and sporty, and now with the 5-door hatchback in the mix, Forte buyers can choose between the more conventional sedan and the sportier hatch. The Forte 5-door shares the same wide stance and swept-back headlamps as the sedan, but its rounded rear sets it apart and helps increase cargo capacity (sedan has 14.7 cu ft., 5-door has 19.4 cu ft. ). Body-colored side mirrors and door handles come standard on all models, and integrated turn signals are included on EX and SX models.

The Forte sedan provides 96.8 cu ft. of passenger volume, while the 5-door grows a tad to 97.5 cu ft. All Fortes also have an intuitive center stack and three-gauge instrument cluster with red illumination. The upgraded EX model with the technology package gets an Added Supervision meter cluster, which has more functionality (average mpg, fuel economy driving meter, etc.) than basic trip meters on base EX models.

Forte LX and EX trims are powered by 156-hp 2.0-liter four-cylinder, while the sportier SX models get bumped up to 173 horses with a 2.4-liter four-banger. SX models also get performance-tuned suspension that gives the chassis a firmer feel to maximize responsiveness, while 11.8-in. disc brakes appear up front, which is nearly a full inch larger than on other models. We found the Forte to provide a comfortable and smooth ride around town and on the highway.

Standard on all Fortes are dual front airbags, dual front seat-mounted side airbags, and full-length side curtain airbags. Four-wheel disc brakes with anti-lock brakes (ABS), brake assist (BA), and electronic brake-force distribution (EBD) also come standard, as do stability and traction control. The Forte was named a 2010 Top Safety pick by the IIHS, and Kia’s exceptional warranty program will always have you feeling covered with a five-year/60,000-mile roadside assistance and 10-year/100,000-mile limited powertrain warranty.

2012 Kia Forte Pricing

Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price

$16,200

Certified Pre Owned Pricewhat is this?

$7,725

Certified Pre-Owned Price is the approximate price a consumer can expect to pay at a dealership for a used vehicle that has passed the manufacturer's certification process. This price applies only to vehicles covered under an automaker's CPO program, not to a dealership's own "certified" used price.